Must Read Books When Starting a Business (Or Thinking About It)

I often get asked...to recommend a few books to someone who is just starting out in their business or is sitting in the office at working seriously thinking about going out on their own. While I have read all of these myself some I wish I would have read earlier in my journey. Many are worth revisiting at various points during your journey as a business owner.

Now What?® 90 Days to a New Life Direction by Laura Berman Fortgang

Whether you are clueless as to what to do next in your career or if you're seriously considering taking the plunge and going solo this book offers the process you need to go through to ensure it's a good fit for you. The perfect blend of personal reflection + practical action make this a powerful tool. It's all about discovering and then making a successful transition. (Disclaimer: I'm an authorized facilitator of this work, but loved the book long before I offered it as part of my business.)

Escape from Cubicle Nation by Pam Slim

I've said it more than once. Pam's book and blog got me thinking, built the start of my knowledgebase and often kept me going during my time in the cubicle while I was masterminding my journey to my own business.

Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port

A solid system for understanding that YOU are in charge of your business (it is not in charge of you). From defining your business and ideal clients to implementing tried and true marketing strategies, this book can be studied and implemented time and again.

The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber

The book that made the distinction between working "on" your business and working "in" your business a common phrase. (Note: if you don't know what that means ...you need to find out.) This book brings personal responsibility out of the closet and maps out solutions to common problems entrepreneurs find themselves face to face with.

The Entrepreneur Equation - Carol Roth

It's only recently that I read this book. It is frankly the book you need to read before you jump too deep into the entreprenuerial journey. Why? It takes a hard, no BS look at what it means to be a business owner and the full picture of the risks and rewards involved.

Attracting Perfect Customers by Stacey Hall and Jan Brogniez

Let's stop the chase to seek out clients and instead get clear on what ideal clients look like for you and then take actions to attract them. One of the best books I know of for getting really clear about what that perfect customer (partner, strategic alliance, joint venture, etc.) looks like. Very scalable set of questions and actions.

Those are my top picks based on personal experience and that of many clients. I know there are a lot of books out there but these books are the ones that have had the biggest personal impact on me. Have you read these? What do you think? Other must-read books you would recommend? If so, why? Love to hear from you in the comments.

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